2023 Newsletter: June
06/19/2023
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. -Matthew 25:4
MEETING NEEDS
Although it has been a while since you’ve heard from us via email, we have been busy GROWING to continue meeting the needs of our unsheltered friends!
We are excited to announce that we "christened" our THIRD shower early this month! It was such a timely addition as we hosted a record number of guests the day immediately after it was installed! We have continued to see record numbers (45-60 per day) in the days that have followed!
Yet another area of growth is our laundry services! We have recently added a third washing machine and a fifth clothes dryer! These much-needed additions have given us the ability to do more laundry for our unsheltered friends! We believe God orchestrated this growth in his perfect time!
We have also continued offering assistance with applications for disability, retirement benefits, state-issued identifications, and food stamps. Just like our other services, the need for this assistance is also increasing with our growing client list.
Since our last update in February, TLOT has assisted NINE people in securing permanent housing. We have also assisted several individuals with furniture and other household goods.
We are excited to announce that we "christened" our THIRD shower early this month! It was such a timely addition as we hosted a record number of guests the day immediately after it was installed! We have continued to see record numbers (45-60 per day) in the days that have followed!
Yet another area of growth is our laundry services! We have recently added a third washing machine and a fifth clothes dryer! These much-needed additions have given us the ability to do more laundry for our unsheltered friends! We believe God orchestrated this growth in his perfect time!
We have also continued offering assistance with applications for disability, retirement benefits, state-issued identifications, and food stamps. Just like our other services, the need for this assistance is also increasing with our growing client list.
Since our last update in February, TLOT has assisted NINE people in securing permanent housing. We have also assisted several individuals with furniture and other household goods.
MISSION MOMENTS
Meet our friend Stephen Straub!
Stephen fell on hard times and has been unsheltered for approximately 2 years.
He has been sleeping in his car since September 2022.
Despite his challenging circumstances, he has maintained employment, however, he didn’t earn enough to secure housing. With the amazing partnership and support of this community, TLOT helped Stephen move into permanent housing this month. He is loving his new home!
Thank YOU for being a partner in this ministry. God uses you to orchestrate miracles for those we serve!
Stephen fell on hard times and has been unsheltered for approximately 2 years.
He has been sleeping in his car since September 2022.
Despite his challenging circumstances, he has maintained employment, however, he didn’t earn enough to secure housing. With the amazing partnership and support of this community, TLOT helped Stephen move into permanent housing this month. He is loving his new home!
Thank YOU for being a partner in this ministry. God uses you to orchestrate miracles for those we serve!
HUSTLE SUCCESS!
TLOT’s annual fundraiser, the Hustle for the Homeless, was a record-breaking success this year. This was the 6th annual event and we hosted more than 400 participants including volunteers and raised over $20,000! As our services continue to grow, these funds are timely and will be put to good use.
We are so thankful for all of our sponsors who helped make this year’s event so successful. Please take a moment to visit our website and support these amazing local businesses.
We are so thankful for all of our sponsors who helped make this year’s event so successful. Please take a moment to visit our website and support these amazing local businesses.
TLOT IN THE NEWS
Hustle for the Homeless 5k fundraises approximately $20,000
https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/05/20/hustle-homeless-5k-fundraises-approximately-20000/
Hustle for the Homeless 5k held in Roanoke
https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/20/hustle-for-the-homeless-5k-held-in-roanoke/
Runners hit the pavement for 6th Annual ‘Hustle for the Homeless’ race in Downtown Roanoke
https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/local-news/runners-hit-the-pavement-for-6th-annual-hustle-for-the-homeless-race-in-downtown-roanoke/
https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/05/20/hustle-homeless-5k-fundraises-approximately-20000/
Hustle for the Homeless 5k held in Roanoke
https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2023/05/20/hustle-for-the-homeless-5k-held-in-roanoke/
Runners hit the pavement for 6th Annual ‘Hustle for the Homeless’ race in Downtown Roanoke
https://www.wfxrtv.com/news/local-news/runners-hit-the-pavement-for-6th-annual-hustle-for-the-homeless-race-in-downtown-roanoke/
ICYMI: BUZZ
MINISTRY NEEDS: HOW YOU CAN HELP!
Loving Lunches
If you would like to provide lunch for our unsheltered friends, we invite you to sign up for our “Loving Lunches” program! This program provides lunch to our unsheltered friends on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Loving Lunches volunteers purchase/prepare enough food for 60 people and deliver to the TLOT headquarters (422 Luck Avenue) by 12:00 noon. These lunches are provided to our unsheltered friends as they arrive for shower, laundry, and pantry services. If you're interested in signing up for a day to drop off lunch, fill out our Google form using this link. For more information, contact us at [email protected].
If you would like to provide lunch for our unsheltered friends, we invite you to sign up for our “Loving Lunches” program! This program provides lunch to our unsheltered friends on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Loving Lunches volunteers purchase/prepare enough food for 60 people and deliver to the TLOT headquarters (422 Luck Avenue) by 12:00 noon. These lunches are provided to our unsheltered friends as they arrive for shower, laundry, and pantry services. If you're interested in signing up for a day to drop off lunch, fill out our Google form using this link. For more information, contact us at [email protected].
Amazon WishList
With a sharp increase in the area’s homeless population, the demand for our services has grown immensely! Due to increased demand, we have updated our Amazon wish list. Should you feel led to order from our list, your items will ship directly to us!
With a sharp increase in the area’s homeless population, the demand for our services has grown immensely! Due to increased demand, we have updated our Amazon wish list. Should you feel led to order from our list, your items will ship directly to us!
Kroger Rewards
A simple, no-cost way for you to support our ministry is by connecting “The Least of These Ministry in Roanoke, VA” to your Kroger Card as a recipient charity of your rewards. Visit our website for instructions on how to connect your card to our ministry.
A simple, no-cost way for you to support our ministry is by connecting “The Least of These Ministry in Roanoke, VA” to your Kroger Card as a recipient charity of your rewards. Visit our website for instructions on how to connect your card to our ministry.
Volunteers Needed
If you have a heart for people and have some available time, we need volunteers!
Help us Spread the Word!
Help us share our mission to the Roanoke Valley and invite us to your community group, congregation, or event. To schedule TLOT for a speaking engagement, contact us at [email protected].
If you have a heart for people and have some available time, we need volunteers!
- Shower/Laundry Facility Volunteers – This role includes serving our unsheltered friends lunch and scheduling shower and laundry signups on a Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday, from 11:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Mobile Street Outreach Teams – We are searching for two teams of at least two people that would be interested in taking the mobile outreach vehicle to serve individuals living on the streets in various parts of our city. Each team would be responsible for serving one evening a week. Training is required!
Help us Spread the Word!
Help us share our mission to the Roanoke Valley and invite us to your community group, congregation, or event. To schedule TLOT for a speaking engagement, contact us at [email protected].
The Least of These Ministry is a ministry that strives to make a positive difference in the lives of the homeless community in the Roanoke Valley. Its mission is to meet men and women living on the streets and serve them with spiritual, physical, and emotional support. This is only possible through the continued support of our village in the way of financial contributions, donated items, volunteering, and prayers. Thank you for being a part of our village!
The Least of These Ministry, 602 Marshall Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016
The Least of These Ministry, 602 Marshall Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016